Romeo and Juliet

The Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company have announced that acclaimed actor Freddie Fox will replace Richard Madden in the role of Romeo until the play closes.

Shakespeare’sclassic romantic tragedy Romeo and Juliet is set to open at the Garrick Theatre London from May 2016 as part of the Kenneth Branagh Theatre Company season. Richard Maddenand Lily James will play the star-crossed lovers, alongside Derek Jacobi as the hot-tempered Mercutio. Kenneth Branagh will direct this production, which is the fourth play to appear in his already successful collection of shows at the Garrick.

A heart-breaking tale of young love, Romeo and Juliet is one of Shakespeare’s most famous works and is regularly performed across the world. Romeo and Juliet tells the tale of two families locked in a feud, the Capulets and the Montagues. Romeo, the hot-blooded son of the Montagues, quickly and dangerously falls in love with Juliet, the beautiful teenage daughter of the Capulet. After meeting at a masquerade ball, the pair realise that they belong together, but their forbidden coupling has devastating and fatal consequences for their families and, ultimately, themselves.

Following on from Branagh’s successful The Winter’s Tale, which earned several 2016 Olivier Award nominations and secured an Olivier Award for Judi Dench for Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Romeo and Juliet is the second Shakespeare work to be performed in Branagh’s season. The production opens on May 12th and will run until August 13th 2016.

Cast and Creative

Directed by Kenneth Branagh and associate director Rob Ashford, Romeo and Juliet will feature design by Christopher Oram, who has assisted on production design throughout the season.

Romeo and Juliet reunites LilyJamesand RichardMadden, who previously starred together in Branagh’s 2015 film adaptation of Cinderella.Madden is best known for his performance as Robb Stark in Game of Thrones and his appearance in BBC One’s drama Lady Chatterley’s Lover.James made her name as Lady Rose in Downton Abbey and has played in a variety of stage productions. Derek Jacobi plays Mercutio, casting an interesting light on the age of the typically young character. Jacobi has an extensive history on both stage and screen, featuring in countless films, productions and television shows such as The Suicide, Uncle Vanya, The King’s Speech and National Theatre Live: King Lear.

Show Lengths and Times

Romeo and Juliet opens at the Garrick Theatre London on May 12th and is set to run until August 13th 2016. Performances are at 7:30pm every day, excluding Sundays, with a matinee on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 2:30pm.

Show running time is approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes.

Suitable for Children?

Romeo and Juliet contains adult themes and language, with references of a sexual nature and scenes of violence, which are not suitable for children. Please note that the Garrick Theatre does not supply booster cushions.

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Reviews

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